Drew for the first time...

[Shadowflag]

Was loading up the truck getting read to head home from our place in the Poconos... Wife had left ahead of me with the kids, I had the dogs and was closing up the house.

Let the dogs out, get ready to leave and realize I left my gun on the nightstand... turn back to get it before locking up. As I turn to lock the door, one of my dogs, a small pit mix, takes off into the woods, our beagle right behind her. I take off running up over the septic mound and into the woods... Pit mix is nose to nose with a HUGE black bear... she is barking at it... it is hissing at her... taking swipes at her. I was yelling at her to come back, which she was reluctant to do... Bear eventually turned and walked away... dog started to follow, but came back when I called her.

I had drawn as soon as I saw what was going on... glad I didn't have to shoot and wonder what a .40 S&W would even do to a bear that size.

Dog has a minor scrape on her head and I am guessing she will be right back in the mix if he shows up again. What a way to end the long weekend.

[Daycrawler]

Glad to hear you and you and your Dogs are OK!

Not two weeks ago I just had a Black Bear, also in the Poconos, Hiss at my Brother and I. We however were still in my Truck. My Brother freaked out. I told him relax I have three guns on me and 3/4 tank of Gas. Was this Bear any where near Promise land state Park??

[IIIIIREPOIIIII]

Glad all is well and good job on keeping your cool and not firing.

[Kid k]

Glade to hear your all ok. Now maybe a good time to upgrade to a 44mag so if it ever happens again.

[Gunsnwater]

460 smith and Wesson is a better choice for bear.

[Kid k]

460 smith and Wesson is a better choice for bear.

Well yes it would. If you were planing to hunt bear. But I won't wouldn't want a 10-14 inch barrel for daily carry. 4-6 inch barre in 44mag would get the job done and is more practical for a carry piece.

[Shisno]

Well yes it would. If you were planing to hunt bear. But I won't wouldn't want a 10-14 inch barrel for daily carry. 4-6 inch barre in 44mag would get the job done and is more practical for a carry piece.

Daily carry? No. Poconos carry? Definitely.

Get a bigger handgun specifically for carrying in the mountains.

[forby]

ALWAYS..... carry the SHORTEST barrel length possible when confronting large black bear...

[forby]

This way, when the bear shoves it up your arse, it won't hurt as bad....

[Frenchy]

Well yes it would. If you were planing to hunt bear. But I won't wouldn't want a 10-14 inch barrel for daily carry. 4-6 inch barre in 44mag would get the job done and is more practical for a carry piece.

Actually, bear spray is not bad, Any loud noise .22 included will make a Bear think twice about charging. In Quebec many people carry air horns. (Personal air horns)

Although you want the largest caliber possible for a clean drop if hunting. a .40 at close range in a Bear's head or if he stands Com, will probably not drop it, but make it think twice about further encounters unless it is protecting a cub or in rage.

Not to worry tho.. I've heard of one guy who shot a bear with a .22 and claimed the gun never went off and the bear suddenly fell...
Thing is, the guy was in shock and never relaxed off the trigger till he had emptied his .22 in the bear's head.